The basic structure of the categorization of lift trucks consists of the following:
Standard Trucks: Standard Trucks make up the strong and big models that are normally used inside warehouses. Standard trucks can typically carry weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades can carry loads as high as 20 feet.
Reach Truck: Reach Trucks are a different name for narrow-aisle lift trucks. Normally, these machinery run on electricity. These machinery are specially made for pallet storage. They are capable of carrying loads up to 40 feet in height. If you want unloading and lifting weights over long distances and fast, than a reach truck would not be the best type of machinery for your requirements.
Order Selector: Very narrow aisle lift trucks or order selectors could be used to transport racked loads that are much smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are unique in that they are capable of raising both the truck operator and the cargo up to 40 feet in height.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been referred to by lots of names like: walkies, walkie riders and riders. These models are appropriately named because of the fact that the driver is not required to sit inside of the vehicle in order to operate it. Instead, he walks beside the truck as it moves the cargo.
Swing Mast Trucks: The swing mast truck to regular units of trucks. These are machines with a narrow aisle and have masts which could swing up to 90 degrees, only in one direction.
Turret Trucks: The turret truck has been designed to operate in very narrow aisles. Similar to an Order Selector, they can raise the load and the driver. Moreover, these trucks are capable of swinging their forks 90 degree on each side.
Go to your local lift truck dealership to see all of these various units and determine what in particular would be right for your application. If you would like to lease before you buy, this is a good alternative for you to be able to try out different units before making such a huge purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions to ask your forklift dealer and be very honest regarding what the needs of company are when you are talking about the facts with a knowledgeable dealer.
There are such a range of units available on the market these days, there is absolutely a forklift available to get your tasks completed, whatever they are.